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I moved to Australia in 2008 after being made redundant from my graduate role at CBRE, Dublin. I arrived by myself, as a bashful 21-year-old, full of dreams and ambition to be a successful property advisor. It took me some time to find my way, and I had many personal and professional hurdles to cross, including networking in a male dominated industry.
A breakthrough for me was becoming involved with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a professional member body which I aspired to be a chartered member of. Predominately a group of expats in a similar position to me, it gave me a community of like-minded professionals, passionate about property, standards and making a difference. I have always been proud of what RICS stands for and the support network it provides around the world. In return for all that the membership has given me, I am an active ambassador of RICS in Australia.
Moving forward 14 years, I am currently Divisional Director of Self Storage Australia and New Zealand at Cushman & Wakefield - one of the largest property firms in the world.
I lead a talented team of valuers nationally, specialising in the unique asset class of self storage. Our team operates as exactly that, a team, or rather, a supportive network where everyone plays to their strengths. As the team’s leader, I see my responsibility as one of guidance and support, to encourage supportive and considerate behaviours, and to help all team members reach their goals and full potential. We are the best at what we do, and we support one another to ensure we all benefit from being blessed with that honour.
A core purpose of mine is to guide and inspire those around me, as has been done for me in the past. As the only female director of Valuations and Advisory across my firm nationally, I have a core passion and purpose to be the best role model I can be to other females, and also to my male colleagues. This is to ensure other women have both the opportunity and desire to take leadership roles at Cushman & Wakefield, and the broader property industry in the future.
Though hard work, being open to guidance and treating colleagues and clients like family, my career has exceeded my own expectations. I would love to have the honour of representing the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce so that I can inspire other young professionals to reach for the stars, regardless of the circumstances, and that kindness, integrity and openness can truly get you everywhere.
